Astrology for January 16-22 2026

New Moon in Capricorn 28º, Welcome Aquarius Season

On January 16, Mercury in Capricorn squares Chiron in Aries at 22º and will be applying a conjunction to Mars that is exact early in the morning on January 18. This puts a lot of pressure on words, conversations and exchanges. Although we have the opportunity to dig into some important topics in the hopes of progress, they are likely not easy to face. Words can come off harsh despite good intentions. It’s clear that things need to be discussed so we can make a plan to move forward, but touchy subjects can poke at trigger points now. Insecurity can creep. If you find yourself challenged by something someone said, this is a great sky for taking a step back and sitting with it (although probably difficult in the moment). The Moon at this time is also in Capricorn, on its way to its new Moon phase (January 18). We want solutions and next steps, but physical energies and emotional capacities are likely pretty low despite our will or skill to present otherwise. Meet important conversations with temperance, tact, and a firm stance in the present moment. Be honest about your capacity with yourself and others. We may not feel understood or understand others clearly right now. As we become privy to critical information, the solution may take time to surface. Avoid band-aid solutions. Slow it down. 

On January 17, Venus enters Aquarius until February 10. Venus in this position calls for the innovation of our relationships and financial or material matters. Pleasure becomes associated with freedom. We find joy in getting into our own unique versions of weird. Venus in Aquarius puts focus on friendship. The groups, communities, and social causes that we care about become more enjoyable or we can get inspired to cultivate them. Love weaves in themes of unconventionality and the sharing of ideas. Flirting involves intellectual stimulation. With progressive thinking, the heart is future-forward now. What ideas are you opening your mind to? Who can you call a friend? 

On January 18, the Moon becomes new in Capricorn at 28º. Also today, Mercury conjuncts Mars in Capricorn at 26º. Whatever conversations or hot topics have been brewing since the crunchy exchanges around January 16, they land today and are roped into the energy of this new Moon. Finally, something becomes clear. We do and say something new. We plant seeds of intention to go in a particular direction. Yes to this, no to that. Speaking our desires like spells in the soil. Important and consequential conversations happen today and in the coming lunar cycle (28 days) that inform us of next steps. Presence and focus is advised. Pay attention. This moment calls for our participation. This Moon is about practicality, reliability, and integrity, especially in our material and physical endeavors. This is business. The Sun and new Moon trine Uranus retrograde in Taurus at 27º and sextile Saturn and Neptune in Pisces at 27º and 29º respectively. Make no mistake. This is an incredibly potent day. Support from the outer planets brings support from the universe itself. What steps need to be taken now so we are available for what’s next? 

On January 19, the Sun enters Aquarius until February 18. Welcome Aquarius season! The Sun shines a light on the area of our birth charts ruled by Aquarius. Where is that for you? (Book a reading at readingsbynoa.com)  This season brings more emphasis to technology, social awareness, and humanitarian causes. Rebellion is on the rise, as systems old and new prove ineffective in their ability to serve the well being of humanity as a whole. The Sun is applying a conjunction to Pluto, exact January 23, followed by Mars on January 27. Both collectively and individually, tensions are rising for the rest of the month. What does freedom mean to you?  

On January 20, Mercury enters Aquarius until February 6. Mercury joining the Aquarius party in the sky blows a big gust of wind on (hopefully metaphorical) fires started already. Mercury wants to debate. Mercury wants innovative solutions. We may become introduced to a next layer of technology or decide to embrace it in our daily lives after much skepticism. Intellectual advancements are highlighted. Also on January 20, Saturn in Pisces sextiles Uranus retrograde in Taurus at 27º. Overall, this day is very busy. Mentally, we have a lot of ideas, and thankfully, a plan is becoming clear to execute. The plan is a guide. Let something unexpected surprise you. Let go of expectations and flow with what is happening while staying committed to the goal.

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